Vauxhall Velox | This model of the Vauxhall Velox was produc… | Flickr Vauxhall Velox This model of the Vauxhall Velox was produced between 1957–62. And Assembled in Luton, Bedfordshire, England. At the 1957 London Motor Show Vauxhall presented radically new Velox and Cresta models: these would come to be known as the PA versions, being the first of the P series. Particularly eye catching was the new wrap-around windscreen, combined with a three part rear window it created an airy passenger cabin, providing exceptional all round visibility. The back of the Velox was graced by tail fins, a Detroit inspired trend already taken up by the car's Ford rival, and which would in the next two years be followed also by such European competitors as Fiat, BMC and Peugeot. On the inside the new Velox also followed US practice, combining a front bench seat with a column-mounted gear change/shift, continuing a trend back to the first Velox of 1948.

Velox models were also assembled at the General Motors Holden plants throughout Australia and the General Motors New Zealand plant in Petone, north of Wellington with the Wyvern replaced by the new Victor model line which was also built in the country. Special versions of the Velox were built for local traffic police. Minor modifications to the car's six-cylinder engine raised power output to 83 bhp (61 kW). As before, the Cresta was distinguished from the Velox model by superior levels of equipment and a two tone paint finish. The Velox PA received its first facelift in October 1959 when the front grill was enlarged and the three-piece rear window was replaced by a single wrap-around window. Technical improvements had to await the 1960 facelift, however. Done Vauxhall - Cars By Brand, Manufacturer Marques & Models | Classic Cars For Sale Magazine Vauxhall Vauxhall has been building cars for more than a century, with the first (5hp) example built in 1903 and named after the Vauxhall Iron Works in south London. The engineering business had originally been started by Scottish engineer Alexander Wilson in 1857.

The firm moved to Luton in 1905, and the ‘trademark’ fluted radiator/bonnet sides (used until the 1960s) first appeared in the same year.… Click here to read more » Vauxhall Wyvern/Velox/Cresta (E Models) PRICE: Wyvern: Rough, £500+Good, £1200-£1,800. A1, £2500+; Velox: Rough, £500+ Good, £1400-£2000. A1, £3000+;Cresta: Rough, £600+Good, £1500-£2000+. A1, £3500+. Fast Facts Four-door saloon Engine: Wyvern: Overhead valve four cylinder. 1951-2: 1442cc, 33bhp. 1952-7: 1507cc, 37bhp; Velox/Cresta: Overhead valve six cylinder.

1951-2: 2275cc, 54bhp. 1952-57: 2262cc, 58bhp 0-60 mph: Wyvern (1952-7): 31+ sec; Velox/Cresta: 1951-2: 22+ sec. 1952-7: 21 sec Top Speed: Wyvern: 1951-2: 62 mph,1952-57: 70+ mph; Velox/Cresta: 1951-2: 75+ mph, 1952-7: 85+ mph MPG: Wyvern: 25-32 mpg; Velox/Cresta: 20-28 mpg Longer and wider than their ‘ L’ model predecessors, the new ‘E’ model Vauxhalls (based upon a ‘49 Chevrolet) arrived in the summer of 1951.

Buyers for whom a four- cylinder engine was adequate were catered for by the new, 1.4 Wyvern, while those preferring smooth six pot motoring could instead opt for the 2.3 litre Velox . All the new Vauxhalls were full six-sea ter saloons. More powerful short stroke engines were employed from the spring of 1952. A new, range-topping variant was introduced in October 1954; the Cresta featured leather trim, two- tone paintwork, whitewall tyres and a host of ‘upmarket’ features. The ‘E’ models were discontinued in 1957, by which time the new ‘F’ Series Victor and the swish ‘ PA’ models were ready to make their debut. The ‘E’ models are extremely scarce today; survivors are increasingly sought-after. Body and chassis rot can be extensive to put it mildly but they are lovely cruisers. Vauxhall ‘Droop Snoot’ HP Frenza PRICE: Rough, £1000. Good, £1800-£2200. A1, £3700. Four-cylinder, overhead camshaft.

2279cc, 131bhp 0-60 mph: MPG: 18-30 mpg With just 204 produced, this motorsport Dealer Team Vauxhallderived two-door coupe was exclusive from the outset, and a true classic. Distinctive styling came as standard, with a Firenza-type body shell incorporating a glass reinforced plastic nosecone and twin Cibié halogen headlamps.Providing exhilarating performance was a modified, overhead camshaft 2.3 litre engine, driving the rear wheels though a five-speed ZF gearbox. Helping to release additional power, compared with the standard motor, were tweaked Stromberg carburettors, a hand-finished tuned cylinder head and a special tubular steel exhaust manifold. In 1973 a nought to 60 mph acceleration time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph was unheard of for a Vauxhall , and even today the figures are impressive.The late great Gerry Marshall had considerable success in motor sport with the HP Firenza; Dealer Team Vauxhall eventually turned from this model to the HS/HSR Chevette for rallying.

Sadlt this great car never had a chance as its launch coincided with the 1973 fuel crisis and the car was killed off soon after. A true classic all the same. Vauxhall: Cars - Graces Guide Grace's Guide British Industrial History Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 121,929 pages of information and 183,284 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them. Vauxhall: Cars 1903. Vauxhall 5hp. Reg No: A 719. July 1903. 1908. Vauxhall 12-16 hp. Body by G. S. Palmer and Son . November 1908. 20 h.p. monobloc engine. November 1908. 20 h.p. detail. July 1908. June 1911. 20-hp with bodywork by Mulliner. Advert in French. 50 h.p. March 1922. 1934.

Vauxhall 14/6. Exhibit at the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum . April 1935. 1936. Vauxhall Stratford Tourer. 14.6 hp. Reg No: CAF 567. 1936. Vauxhall 14 Saloon. Reg No: CHU 101. 1936. Vauxhall 14 Saloon. Reg No: CHU 101. 1936. Vauxhall 14 DX Tickford. Possibly the only one manufactured. Reg No: 711 UXG. Reg No: HPG 31. 1937. Vauxhall DX. Reg No: ABE 197. 1937. Vauxhall DX. Reg No: ABE 197. 1938. 1966. Exhibit at the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum . October 1962. Vauxhall Velox / Cresta. LHS page. October 1962. Vauxhall Velox / Cresta. RHS page. 1972.

VX 4/90. Reg No: DBT 850L. October 1973. VX 4/90. Reg No: 698 SBF. Note: This is a sub-section of Vauxhall Contents 5 Sources of Information General 1903 The company built its first car, a five-horsepower model steered using a tiller, with two forward gears and no reverse gear. This led to a better design which was made available for sale. The car was designed by F. W. Hodges and sold for £150. 1905 Produced 9 h.p., 14 h.p. and 18 h.p. models. Listed as the Vauxhall and West Hydraulic Engineering Co of Luton. [1] 1911 Produced the 'Prince Henry' model. 1913 Produced the 30/98 model 1913 April. Advert for the new 25hp 4-cylinder model.

[2] 1913-1917 For a list of the models and prices see the 1917 Red Book WWI Produced the 25-hp Staff car. 1920 November. Exhibited at the Motor Car Show at Olympia and the White City with a 22.4hp car. [3] 1925 Vauxhall was bought by GM for US$2.5 million. The influence of the American parent was pervasive and together with the Ford Motor Company , Vauxhall's main competitor, led to a wave of American influenced styling in Europe that persisted through to the 1980s. 1927 Vauxhall selling several demonstration cars including Bedford Saloon Cars and Princeton Touring Cars. [4] 1930 Bedford , a subsidiary constructing commercial vehicles, was established as the Stock Market Crash of 1929 had made importing American lorries uneconomical. 1931 Introduced the 'Cadet'. Thyis was the first car to have a synchromesh gear-box. 1933 Introduced the 'Light Six' model with 'no-draught' ventilation. 1938 Introduced the 'Ten'.

After the war, car production resumed but models were designed as a more mass-market product leading to expansion of the company. They commenced with the 10, 12 and 14-hp models based on the pre-war designs. 1948 Introduced the 12-hp Wyvern and the 18-hp Velox together. 1951 Exhibitor at the 1951 Motor Show in the Car Section. 1961 Manufacturers of motor cars, including the "Cresta", "Velox", "Victor" and "Bedford" commercial vehicles. Also manufacture spare parts. 26,520 employees. 1960s During the 1960s Vauxhall acquired a reputation for making rust-prone models, though in this respect most manufacturers were equally bad. The corrosion protection built into models was tightened up significantly, but the reputation dogged the company until the early 1980s. 1961 Listed as a subsidiary of general Motors Corporation. Employ 26,250 persons. Manufacture Cresta, Velox, Victor and Bedford vehicles. [5] 1963 Motor Show exhibitor.

Showed Viva, Victor, VX 4/90, Cresta and Velox.

[6] Early Registrations 14 and 14/40 (1922–1927) 20/60 (1927–1930) Frontera (1991–2004, rebadged Isuzu MU Wizard) Insignia (2008-present) Monterey (1994–1999, rebadged Isuzu Trooper) Meriva (2002-present) Royale (1978-1986), rebadged Opel Senator Senator (1978-1994) T and T80 (1930–1932) Tigra (1994-present) Viceroy (1978-1982), rebadged Opel Commodore Viscount (1966–1972) VX Lightning (limited edition VX220) Wyvern (1948–1957) Vauxhall Velox - car classics Vauxhall Velox - car classics A description of the vehicle Detailed technical specifications and description of the model is available here .

Want to buy Vauxhall Velox? Leave us your request for the purchase , we will select for You a car in the United Kingdom or the United States is in excellent condition and with a good story. Help with making a deal and delivery. Discussion You can leave your comments about the car, as well as to hear the opinions of other visitors here . Do you like this car? (3.5460396039604) based on 204 votes Vauxhall Velox Model Vauxhall Velox - car of the middle class, produced by the company Vauxhall Motors in 1948-1956 year. Since 1957 model Vauxhall Velox has turned into a full-fledged family car. For motor power in 56 horsepower vehicle speed up to 120 km/hour. Acceleration to 100 km/h was implemented in 23 seconds. The cost of the first series cars Vauxhall Velox amounted to 550 pounds, including tax. Classic Vauxhall Velox produced in the type of body 4-door sedan.

Volume 6-cylinder engine, developed in just a few months before the release of the test version of the car, amounted to 2.3 litres. For the first time in the history of the company heater, ensuring a steady flow of warm air in the cabin, was implemented exactly in the car Vauxhall Velox. The rear seats were divided armrests. In 1951, the model had had a "second birth", with the 4-cylinder engine, razgonyavshiysya already up to 125 km/hour. The cost of this version of the Vauxhall Velox amounted to 802 pound. And only in 1955 appeared final model of classical Vauxhall Velox, among other things, "osnaschavshayasya" two-colored coating.

Other names of this model: Vauxhall Velox LIP, Vauxhall Velox Caleche L, Vauxhall Velox EIP, Vauxhall Velox EIPV, Vauxhall Velox EIPV Coupe, Vauxhall Velox PA, Vauxhall Velox PA SX, Vauxhall Velox PB Latest Vauxhall Velox listings offered via internet auctions: Love this car? You can buy it ! We are engaged in the purchase of retro cars at auctions UK and the us with the shipping and customs clearance. Other Vauxhall models from our catalogue: Vauxhall Cars Model Range Types Opel in Europe, GM in America, and always in the top ten. VAUXHALL (England) 1903 to date The first Vauxhall of 1903 was an American-inspired 5 1/2 cwt. (616 lb.) runabout with a transverse 5 hp horizontal engine, chain drive and tiller steering. A 6 hp version came out the next year, boasting the luxury of a reverse gear!

In 1905 the company moved from London's Vauxhall to Luton, Bedfordshire, bringing out no less than three models of three-cylinder cars (though this time with vertical engines). These cars were successfully used in trials and hillclimbs, but an entry in the 1905 Tourist Trophy proved abortive, despite the use of a six-speed gearbox. Although demand continued, a more conventional shaft-driven car, the 18/20 four-cylinder model, proved extremely successful, leading to the demise of the earlier types. A 3-litre Vauxhall put up a sterling performance in the German Prince Henry Trials in 1910 and 1911. The engine capacity was increased to 4 litres and the car called the Prince Henry in recognition of the achievement. From this emerged the most famous of all Vauxhalls, the 30/98. For this, works manager L. H. Pomeroy increased the engine capacity to 4 1/2 litres in 1913. A few examples were made before World War One, though it was again available in 1919.

Designated the E-Type, it received a new ohv 4�2-litre engine and front-wheel brakes in 192?, thereafter being known as the OE. The company had been one of the few firms to continue manufacture throughout World War One, the D-Type being made for the services. In 1922 the cheaper 14/40 appeared and the D-Type was granted overhead valves. In December 1925 the American General Motors took over, though it was not until three years later that the first GM-inspired Vauxhalls appeared, the 20/60 with overhead valves, coil ignition and central gear-change. The 2-litre Cadet of 1931 was a cheap six announced the following year, offering a synchromesh gearbox and beating Rolls-Royce to the post. Two other lighter sixes, the 12 and 14, were introduced in 1933, though at the other end of the range the company offered a 3.2-litre six in 1934, this "Big Six" surviving until 1937, when it was replaced by the independent suspension 25 hp model.

Unitary construction on the four-cylinder 10 of 1938 gave Vauxhall another technical first in Britain. Priced at �158, though only having a three-speed gearbox, it offered 40 mpg. The following year all models were fitted with hydraulic brakes, one being the newly introduced J model, a 14hp car with a 1781cc six-cylinder engine, costing a competitive �220. The post-war era saw the four-cylinder 10 and 12 and the six-cylinder 14 offered, though by 1948 all had been phased out, and replaced by the 1442cc Wyvern and the 2275cc Velox, using four- and six-cylinder engines respectively. These L-Type models featured completely new styling, with a markedly trans-Atlantic front end and faired-in headlights. A steering-column gear-change was another feature imported from America. In 1952 both models were re-styled, with short-stroke engines replacing the original power units. Three years later, a luxury version of the six, the Cresta, appeared costing �844.

These E-Type models remained in production until 1957, a year that saw the introduction of the four-cylinder 1 1/2-litre Victor with its distinctive wrap-around windscreen, the six being similarly adorned in 1958. By 1962 the Victor had been re-styled, the Velox and Cresta receiving similar treatment the following year. In 1964 more powerful engines were introduced, the Victor now displacing 1.6 litres, while the six was increased to 3.3 litres. Vauxhall made a major departure from previous practice in 1964 by announcing a new small car, the 1057cc Viva. It was re-styled for 1967 and again in 1970, this HC variant being offered in 1159cc and 1256cc forms. A completely new Victor appeared for 1968 in 1.6- and 2- litre variants, having inclined ohc engines, the camshaft being driven by a neoprene belt, the first occasion that the feature was offered on a production car in Britain.

The faithful 3.3-litre six was fitted into a similar bodyshell; and named the Ventora. It was "all change" again in 1971 the Victors being upped to 1800cc and 2300cc and sporting chunkier bodywork also shared with the Ventora. The Victor engine, though of 1600cc, was also offered in the Viva bodyshell. A coup� version, the Firenza, appeared in 1971 with a choice of 1256cc, 1600cc and 2300cc engines. However, in 1973 the entire Viva/Firenza range was overhauled, the Viva being retained for the smallest capacity engines, the 1800 and 2300 being called Magnums. In 1975 a new model, the Chevette, was launched, a good-looking coup� with hatchback tailgate, powered by the 1256cc Viva engine, and available in 10 variants in 1979.

Early in 1979 new Opel-based luxury models, the Carlton and Royale, were announced. The Cavalier, a 1300/1600/1900cc mid-sized saloon originally imported from Belgium, was by that time made in Britain. The last Viva was built in mid-1979. Other UKCAR Vauxhall Information VAUXHALL PB - VELOX & CRESTA WITH THANKS TO JOHN K AT GENERAL MOTORS ARCHIVE AND THE LATE MAURICE PLATT FOR HIS PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION & EXTRACTS OF HIS BOOK "ADDICTION TO AUTOMOBILES" TO THIS SECTION OF vauxpedia WARNING: THOSE PICTURES MARKED "© GM ARCHIVE" CANNOT BE DOWNLOADED AND USED OR PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE 1. VAUXHALL PB - VELOX & CRESTA BACKGROUND: The overtly transatlantic styling and choice of vivid exterior colour schemes of the Velox & Cresta PA models had caused a "bit of a stir" in the staid and rather dreary British car market when they were launched.

They were also a radical departure for Vauxhall compared to the more traditional & homely styling of their E Series predecessors, and although viewed in hindsight the PA Series models were quite handsome, especially the original 1957 models, they were also far more flamboyant in style than most British family car buyers were used to or expected at the time. Outside of Britain things were very different, the cars were much more readily accepted and exports to most world markets were very good, in the home market they were really no more than adequate and never reached Vauxhalls original huge sales expectations. Therefore, when the time came for the PA replacement a body design with broader home market appeal was required in much the same way as the Victor FB replacing the original F Series but still one that was both modern & contemporary and therefore retain consumer appeal in export territories. This was in addition to other design goals of improving passenger & luggage space & comfort within similar exterior dimensions as well as improving ride, handling, performance whilst reducing routine servicing costs.

The total world market for reasonably priced 6 cylinder cars offering generous passenger space was large and an important one in which Vauxhall had traditionally gained a significant amount of sales, with the Velox & Cresta PB Series Vauxhall planned to continue and expand on this success. 2. VAUXHALL PB - VELOX & CRESTA DESIGN & ENGINEERING: Design work started on the PB Series in October 1959 with a variety different styling sketches completed by the beginning of November ready for review. The concept was to create a clean elegant design that fitted the same pattern and styling lineage as the forthcoming Victor FB, in fact some of the design cues were the result of the production PB sharing the same front & rear door pressings as the FB which was an unusual decision considering the quite large difference in the two cars overall dimensions. Another goal was to achieve greater interior space for small increases size whilst at the same time incorporating the same principles as the Victor FB to maximise rigidity & structural stiffness for minimum increases in weight. The first full size clay mock-up was ready in March 1960 and the design remained remarkably close throughout the development period to the final production version.

The car gave the impression of a greater length and width than the actual dimensions suggested and was largely the result of being significantly lower than the previous PA models and was a huge step forward in styling. Tailfins were coming to the end of their attraction within GM and therefore at Vauxhall although some competitors were still launching their first models with this feature. The other priority for David Jones’ design team was the urgent need to pay particular attention to eliminating rust traps within the body shell, as was the case with the new Victor FB, and the PB was also refreshingly free of unnecessary exterior embellishment. Even at the time of the PB launch there were plenty of the previous PA models that were already rotting away in scrap yards and on second-hand car lots up and down the country. A recent addition to the Styling Studios at Luton was a specific design team for interiors and the PB was the first fruits of this. In order to facilitate the maximum efficient use of available space Vauxhall adopted the General Motors “Oscar” system.

“Oscar” was a robot comprising 4 sections, the foot, leg, thighs and torso, it came in 2 versions – 2 dimensional for full size renderings and a 3 dimensional version for physical checks in full size seating bucks, in this form it could be altered in size & weight. Great care was taken to make the PB passenger compartment as tasteful and ambient as possible with colour co-ordination of trim colours & materials as well as real wood veneer for the dashboard. Another design goal was to move the Cresta further upmarket in specification and give a greater differentiation compared to the cheaper Velox. Finally, behind the rear wheel house a single panel now formed both the outer skin of the body and the side wall of the luggage compartment, this extended the stowage space to the full width of the car with the spare wheel was carried in a well beneath the boot floor and was accessible through a detachable panel on the luggage compartment floor. The end result was something David Jones’ team could be proud of, the car looked good at the time, and is still well regarded today, in spite of the compromises made using the FB doors. Vauxhall made much of this new found elegance in the launch promotions for the cars.

Maurice Platt was Vauxhalls Chief Engineer in charge of the mechanical development of the PB Series. The primary principle behind the new car was a conventional layout using sound engineering, this had some fundamental advantages when used in a large 6cylinder model; good weight distribution, more than adequate provision for passenger & luggage space, a straight driveline for smoothness and no servicing or reliability problems associated with unorthodox arrangements such as rear engine or front wheel drive configurations which also tended to increase the overall cost of the car. The PB inherited many major mechanical units from the previous PA Series such as the proven and reliable 2651cc 6cylinder engine, the same gearbox choice of 3 speed column gear change as standard or optional overdrive on 2nd & 3rd gears or Hydramatic automatic transmission. The single front suspension assembly was the same design of long and short arm independent with coils with insulated mountings to the body. The recirculating ball steering retained for light wheel effort and the same floating rear axle but with a wider track than before.

One of the most significant changes was the fitment of front disc brakes on Velox & Cresta modes as standard, an unusual feature on a family car at the time, although in certain export markets the Velox still retained the drum brakes all round. A mechanical operated Borg & Beck diaphragm spring clutch replaced the previous hydraulic helical coil design giving lighter pedal effort. With the reduction in overall weight a higher ratio 3.7:1 back axle was introduced apart from models with overdrive which retained the previous 3.9:1 ratio. Safety features included new parallel overlapping wipers with the motor and linkages rubber mounted for quiet operation, a zone toughened front windscreen, padded dashboard, centre steering wheel boss and sun visors. Also both front and rear seat belt anchorages were built in making seat belt fitment an easy job for dealers & owners alike. Engine accessibility was greatly improved by a new counter balanced bonnet which could be raised to an almost vertical position. Sealed beam headlights replaced the separate bulb units and the Cresta became the first Vauxhall, and one of the first European family cars, to have front fog lights fitted as standard.

The steering knuckles, like the FB, were fitted with ball joints top & bottom whereas previously a trunnion was used for the lower. All steering joints & linkages as well as propshaft joints were sealed for life and chassis lubrication points reduced to 8 with a 30,000 mile or 30-month service interval all of which greatly reduced routine service and maintenance costs, an area where Vauxhall were leading the way compared to domestic rivals. The 2651cc engine was carried over from the previous PA Series but further developed with an increase in compression ratio from 8.0:1 to 8.5:1, although a 7.0:1 ratio was available in certain export markets, and slightly altered valve timing were primarily designed to improve economy although the reduction in weight improved performance and the higher axle ratio increased top and cruising speed. The specific power & torque output remained the same as the last of the PA Series engines. 3.

VAUXHALL PB - VELOX & CRESTA LAUNCH & MODEL UPDATES: The new Velox & Cresta were launched to the press early in October 1962 with the first public showing several weeks later at the London Motor Show at Earls Court. The cars were well received by both the press and public alike as being a major improvement in most aspects over the cars they replaced, although the impact was probably less than that of the PA in 1957 the new restrained clean cut styling did not garner any controversy. Although greatly lauded it was noted that the cars were now slightly larger than their direct competitors such as the Ford Zephyr, they did however represent good value by offering a lot of powerful, well-engineered and equipped car for the money. At launch the prices were: Velox £822.4.7 and Cresta £918.17.11 including taxes. The Cresta was particularly well appointed and had a far more upmarket appeal than previous models of the same name. Following the pattern set by the Victor FB the Velox & Cresta used the new acrylic paint.

One novel feature that was carried over from the last of the PA Series but never used on any other Vauxhall since the PB was a strip speedometer that changed colour the faster you went, green up to 30mph then orange up to 60mph then red up to 110mph. All models featured bench seating front & rear in leather (Nylon suede was a no-cost option) with a centre armrest on both for the Cresta and in Vynide for the Velox where a front centre armrest was optional. Column gear change was standard regardless of which transmission was fitted, servo assisted front disc brakes and real wood veneer trimming for the dashboard was included in the basic price of both models. The Cresta added a heater, headlamp flasher, electric clock, screen washer, glove box lock, cigar lighter, courtesy switches on all doors, boot lamp, reversing lamps, twin matching front fog lamps, extra seat padding, woven pile carpets and special door trim. Laycock-de-Normanville overdrive and Hydramatic automatic transmission were optional on both models.

The only changes for the 1964 model year was a new range of colours available from October 1963 and in April 1964 the launch of the Velox & Cresta Estate which was a conversion by Martin Walter of Folkestone and sold through Vauxhall dealers right up until the end of PB production. The major change in the PB history came with the 1965 model year announced in August 1964 and available from October. The exterior was highlighted with a smart new full width front grille in anodised aluminium, a new range of colours and a twin exhaust system. On the Cresta there was a new chrome side strip and whitewall tyres with special wheel trims, however the previously standard front fog lamps were no longer fitted. Inside there was new seat & door trim designs with new seat options for the Cresta – individual fixed back front seats or fully reclining individual front seats were available as extra cost options.

Both Velox & Cresta featured new variable speed windscreen wipers, 120mph speedometers and the extra cost option of a new 4 speed all synchromesh gearbox with floor change, the first 6cylinder Vauxhall since 1938 to be available with this type of gearbox. By far the biggest change was the engine, already quite large for a British family car it was increased in size still further to a huge 3294cc although the original 2651cc engine was retained for certain export markets where taxation penalized larger capacity engines. This 25% increase in capacity resulted in 26% more torque, 175lb.ft @ 2200rpm (net), and 21% more power, 114.8bhp (net) @ 4200rpm or 128bhp (gross) at 4800rpm. Combined with the new 4 speed manual gearbox the car could now out accelerate a Lotus Cortina or Rolls Silver Cloud to 50mph thereby making it one of the fastest family saloons in Europe at the price.

This was achieved to some degree by rather low gearing, the 3.7:1 rear axle was fitted to all models, which meant the car could not quite manage 100mph on the flat, but it did make the car very attractive to several Police forces up and down the country. The last change for the PB Series fortunately came in the last 3 months before production ceased in July 1965, the excellent Hydramatic 3 speed automatic gearbox was replaced by the worst gearbox Vauxhall has ever sold before or since, the utter pile of horseshit Powerglide 2 speed automatic transmission. This useless contraption would blight Vauxhall 6 cylinder models for another 4 years before eventually being replaced by the excellent GM 3 speed Strasbourg unit. Although in manual form the 3.3 litre PB would not quite achieve 100mph on the flat Vauxhall had experimented with higher geared versions that easily achieved the figure but were less driveable under normal conditions, people who bought these types of car would normally get into top gear and then just leave it there!

The advent of the VX Four Ninety in October 1961 with twin carburettors and its sales success prompted work on a prototype PB which was internally nicknamed VX6/110. This used twin Zenith 42VNT carburettors and a reworked cylinder head with larger valves and a 6 into 4 in to 2 free flow exhaust manifold which boosted power to 140bhp (net) @ 4600rpm and would easily achieve 110mph (hence the name) but the fuel consumption was prodigious and prompted Vauxhalls engineering department to look towards more modern V8s for future top line models. Only one road going version was built and used personally for a time by John Alden Vauxhall’s chief engineer. Despite a total production run of 87,047 the Velox & Cresta PB remains a bit of forgotten classic today and is largely ignored by the fraternity which is why so few remain today which is a shame because it really was a good car. 4.

VAUXHALL PB - VELOX & CRESTA PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS: 1963 MY: The best and worst Vauxhall cars ever made - Confused.com The best and worst Vauxhall cars ever made Share: Here are some of the best and worst creations that have rolled off Vauxhall's production lines over the past 100 years. The best Vauxhall cars ever made 1. Chevette The Chevette was a supermini made from 1975 to 1984. It was arguably the car that turned everything around for Vauxhall and helped shake off its unenviable reputation for producing rust-prone machines. This is something that had dogged the manufacturer for the best part of two decades. It was introduced to the car buying public with a television add featuring a catchy tune and jingle proclaiming: "It’s whatever you want it to be." This was actually a fair point. Its versatility and stylish good looks made it hugely popular and introduced a new generation of potential buyers to the Vauxhall marque. 2.

Astra The Astra name has been around for more than 30 years but the latest model to bear its name is a stunning machine and seen as a viable rival to Ford’s Focus. Top Gear even branded it as "perhaps the best Astra ever". Available in a variety of options, the Vauxhall Astra has sleek, sporty lines and a well-designed interior – in contrast to the rather bare and basic look of the past. With its punchy performance it’s fair to say this Astra is no longer a dull company runaround. 3. Zafira The Zafira may not have been enough to take your breath away when it first arrived around at the tail end of the 1990s. But this family transporter actually warrants its place among the most important Vauxhalls ever made, according to motoring author Giles Chapman. "It was the first seven-seater compact MPV where the seats would properly fold into the floor," he says. "It was also based on the Vauxhall Astra so you knew it was going to be pretty bullet proof." The worst Vauxhall cars ever made 1.

1957 Victor F Type Despite its American styling and lavish amounts of chrome – quite radical as far as affordable British family cars were concerned – this car was a disaster, recalls Chapman, author of The Worst Cars Ever Sold. "It set the Vauxhall cause back enormously through the 1960s because it was such a rust bucket," he says. "The inner body tended to trap a lot of rain water and, as it wasn’t very rust proof, it just rotted." Although thousands were shipped overseas its popularity didn’t last. "Its bad reputation meant it was only an export star for a brief time," adds Chapman. "It was just poorly conceived and poorly designed." 2. 1995 Vectra The Vauxhall Vectra replaced the popular Cavalier in the UK but didn’t get off to the best of starts when it was savaged by Jeremy Clarkson in a six-minute long segment on Top Gear. Clarkson described it as a "box on wheels" and "like road testing a microwave oven". It was the dictionary definition of a boring, functional company car with a pretty cramped and unappealing interior.

While there was nothing fundamentally wrong with the Vectra, it did nothing to trigger excitement and was overshadowed by the Ford Mondeo at the time. 3. Belmont It might be hard to believe but the Belmont can actually lay claim to being one of Britain's most regularly stolen cars. In fact, a Home Office commissioned car theft index revealed it to be the car most at risk in 2005 with 76 stolen out of every 1,000. First appearing in the mid-1980s, the Belmont was a saloon with a huge boot at a time when hatchbacks were the shape of choice. Had they called it an Astra Saloon it may have been better received but its name reflected its styling - ugly. Share:

Question: Which car manufacturer produced the 'Victor' and 'Velox' models?
Answer: Vauxhall